The Lorenzi Line

Today winger Matt Calvert was sent to Springfield to taste greatness once more. Coach Scott Arniel is concerned that he “lost a little bit of his jump” and wants him to rediscover the confidence that he once had his rookie season. Calvert achieved a hat trick and 20 points last season; he’s a player from last season that the coaching staff expects more from. In 5 games this season he got an assist and is staying in the positive for the plus-minus.

It really broke my heart to read this. With all the Jackets, even Nash, he’s the player on the team that really digs in and skates with incredible speed. He’s one of the few Jackets to get to the puck first in a dump and chase play. Coach Arniel feels the same way I imagine and this could be the smartest play. Get him in the AHL where he had a 99 point season in 09-10 and after he racks up 10 points in a few games maybe he’ll get his groove back. Every fan I’ve come in contact with knows what Calvert is capable of. He may very well be the missing link, with a season or two that is.

With no playoff appearance it’s hard to say. He’ll probably coach next year regardless, then he’s out. I vote Tyler Wright, who hasn’t coached. I mean if the Jackets keep rolling the dice they could save a few bucks hiring him at least :D

Every day they’re shufflin’

I can’t help but to think of this as a dance move. Only it involves sliding to the wall and once you’re against the wall you try to go through it and break both your legs.

I’m sure the ground swell will eventually grow enough to get Arniel fired if the team continues to circle the drain, but I really don’t think he is the problem. I can tell the guy takes the job seriously and cares about the product he puts on the ice. The thing is, the only people who can get the players to take some pride in their play is the players themselves.

While its true that the CBJ might have a talent deficiency against teams like Chicago, getting worked over by Dallas like that is just embarrassing. They have enough talent to compete. Howson has put the pieces in place for the team to have some success. I don’t what else management can do. What will the excuse be if the team continues to fail after Wisniewski returns?

Posted by
bezukov
from the kids are alright. on 10/18/11 at 01:34 PM ET